Sycamore

I wish I could take credit for the title, but I stole it from a guy named Randy who wrote this little article that I recommend.  He wants to take advantage of the older people in his congregation, and I know that for us at Shoreline it’s not quite that easy (if you were alive for the Miracle on Ice, raise your hand - assuming you even know what I’m talking about).  However, I think Randy’s article speaks to our culture’s fascination with youth, and our rejection of the wisdom that comes with age.

The church can be guilty of this too, and I don’t think I’m the only one who can give lip service to needing the wisdom of someone older when in reality I’ll write off anyone who doesn’t do things like I do because they “don’t get it.”  Sometimes West LA’s fascination with what’s young and current makes Christians like you and me forget that old and dated might actually have something to offer.

Below are some quotes from Randy’s article, I recommend a quick read of the whole thing.

I remember somewhere between eight and twelve years old our extended scientific research drove the Smith kids to conclude that old people had cooties – permanent cooties. Old people made noises when they moved, sat down or got up. Old people smelled funny. Old people always wanted to kiss you (ugh!) and old people always dressed funny. Generally speaking, they had cooties!

Funny thing is, the perception in many of our churches today isn’t much different. We target, market or outreach (depending on your preference) to a generation that has about $1,200.00 in their retirement fund and thirty years to go before they can use it. Our music is loud, our lights are bright and our service orders literally vibrate with the energy and creativity of the young generation. And that is good…

…BUT…

We are missing out on something when we ignore the older generation.